Joint statement by the OSCE Troika on International Women's Day 2021

Dear colleagues,

I am delivering this Troika statement on behalf Sweden, Albania and Poland Together today in the Permanent Council we mark the International Women’s Day 2021.

For the second year the Troika together show the joint position to lead this organization in a more equal and inclusive direction. Throughout the organization we must ensure equal treatment and opportunity. At all levels and throughout all steps of the conflict cycle. As leaders for the organization we must ensure accountability and legal justice for women working in and with our organization. The 2004 OSCE Action Plan on Gender Equality forms a good basis to this end. These efforts are vital to ensure a sustainable and equal environment for future leaders of the OSCE.

Women leaders and women’s organizations have for long demonstrated their skills, knowledge, and networks to effectively lead in times of crisis and conflict, including during the global pandemic. In the OSCE civil society and women’s organizations holds an important position and must be recognized for their important contribution. Furthermore, we must welcome and recognize that women bring experiences, perspectives and skills to the table, and make irreplaceable contributions to decisions, policies and laws that work better for all. Diversity is and outset for sustainability.

Gender equality must be held as an integral part of the organisations unique comprehensive concept of security. Together with the OSCE’s strong autonomous institutions, the field missions, and partners for cooperation we must strive to ensure gender sensitive leadership and management. Research shows that gate keepers, lack of political will and lack of recourses are the main obstacles to gender equality, we must overcome these obstacles.

Having in mind that the pandemic have had a negative impact on equality, we must be firm in our position to uphold women’s rights and fully leverage the potential of women’s leadership and decision-making and equal participation in creating policies and programmes in all spheres and at all stages of peace and security.

Dear colleagues,

This year, the International Women´s Day 2021 is a call to recognize women as leaders and a gender sensitive approach to leadership. We welcome the efforts made and recognize the gaps left to fill. To wrap up I would like to give some guiding words for gender sensitive leadership; we must lead by example, set clear strategies and priorities, communicate clearly and convincingly, manage and develop staff, resources and operations in gender-responsive manners and hold self and others to account. And remember, no one knows the perfect way on how this is conducted. The most vital part is to use the gender section, the focal points and each other. Gender sensitive leaders are not born, they are made in cooperation with others.

Thank you!